Weekly Bulletin - The Church of the Nativity

Photographs by Charlene Dorman
210 Oak Grove Avenue
Menlo Park, CA 94025
tel: (650) 323-7914
fax: (650) 323-3231
www.nativitymenlo.org
www.nativityschool.com
The Church of the Nativity
MASSES
Sundays 08:00, 09:30, 11:30 AM and 05:00 PM
Saturdays 08:00 AM and 05:00 PM (Vigil)
Weekdays 07:30 AM and 05:30 PM
Holy Days 07:30 AM, 05:30 and 07:30 PM
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Opus Dei priest)
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM (parish priest)
(also by appointment)
PASTOR
Rev. Msgr. Steven D. Otellini
PAROCHIAL VICAR
Rev. John Mary Chung
PASTOR EMERITUS
Rev. Clement Davenport
PERMANENT DEACON
Rev. Mr. Dominick Peloso
WEEKEND ASSISTANTS
Rev. Kevin Gaffey
Rev. Paul Maillet
BAPTISMS 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month
(contact rectory 2 months in advance)
WEDDINGS Saturdays 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM
(contact rectory at least 6 months in advance)
SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Mrs. Monica Hickam • (650) 327-2319
24-hour Eucharistic Adoration
FIRST READING
Break out together in song ... for the Lord
comforts His people.
Isaiah 52: 7-10
PSALM
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
Solemnity of the Nativity
of the Lord (Christmas)
25 December 2011
Psalms 98
“And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us,
and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son.”
SECOND READING
In these last days, He has spoken to us
through the Son.
John 1: 38
Hebrews 1: 1-6
GOSPEL
From His fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace.
Calendar
John 1: 1-18
SCHEDULE OF MASSES
AND INTENTIONS
WEEK OF 25 - 31 DEC
SAT 05:00 PM Priest’s intentions
SUN Masses
MON-FRI
MON-FRI
SAT
07:10 AM
05:10 PM
07:40 AM
Morning Prayer
Evening Prayer
Morning Prayer
25 DEC
(Sunday)
07:30 PM
Christmas Day
Holy Hour for Priests
26 DEC
(Monday)
07:30 PM
Legion of Mary
(Tuesday)
06:00 PM
Cenacles of Life Rosary
Priest’s intentions
MON 09:00 AM † Umberto and Dino Canessa
TUE 07:30 AM † Heleodoro Beltan
05:30 PM † Miriam and Rolly Somer;
† Tom Del Sarto
27 DEC
WED 07:30 AM † Fokololo Mafileo;
† Lupe Veamatahau
05:30 PM † Richard LemMon
THU 07:30 AM The Neylan and Cardine families
05:30 PM † Vincent Meola
FRI 07:30 AM In thanksgiving
05:30 PM † Dina Kowalski
SAT 08:00 AM † Bob Connelly
Please pray for those in need of physical or spiritual healing
28 DEC
(Wednesday)
29 DEC
(Thursday)
06:00 PM
30 DEC
(Friday)
31 DEC
(Saturday)
10:00 AM 12:00 PM
03:30 PM 04:30 PM
11:30 PM
Perpetual Help Novena
Confessions
(Opus Dei priest)
Confessions
(parish priest)
New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil
The parish office will be closed
on Monday, 26 Dec 2011
for Christmas.
There will be one Mass,
at 09:00 AM, on Monday.
Adoration of the Shepherds (Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo)
PARISH OFFERINGS
WEEK OF
10-11 DEC
TOTAL:
$11,237
Religious Retirement:
$5,094
Immaculate Conception:
$2,851
Annual Appeal Progress:
2011 Annual Appeal Goal:
$69,743
$119,800
Saints and Observances
SOLEMNITY, FEAST, MEMORIAL • OPTIONAL MEMORIAL • OTHER
26 DEC (Monday)
SAINT STEPHEN, First Martyr (d. ~33)
Stephen was in charge of the original set of deacons appointed by the apostles to carry out works
of charity. He was stoned to death on false charges
of blasphemy. Among the approving bystanders
at his martyrdom was Saul (the future St. Paul).
In imitation of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were
that God not hold against his murderers their sin.
27 DEC (Tuesday)
SAINT JOHN, Apostle and Evangelist ( d. ~101)
John, son of Zebedee and brother of James, is the disciple whom
Jesus loved. He was privileged, with his
brother and Saint Peter, to behold the
Saviour raise up a dead child to life, then
saw Him transfigured on the mountaintop;
he alone reposed his head on His breast at
the Last Supper. He is the author of three
letters, the book of Revelation, and the most
spiritual of the four gospels.
28 DEC (Wednesday)
THE HOLY INNOCENTS, Martyrs
Herod, threatened by the birth of a new king, ordered the slaughter
of all newborn boys in Bethlehem. Joseph, warned in a dream, had
already taken his family to safety in Egypt.
29 DEC (Thursday)
SAINT THOMAS A BECKET, Martyr
(1118-1170)
Becket held a number of prominent positions, including civil and canon lawyer, soldier and officer,
and the Archdeacon of Canterbury. A friend of
King Henry II, he became Chancellor of England
and was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in
1162. He was opposed to the King’s interference
in ecclesiastical matters, and was exiled several
times. He was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral
on 29 December 1170.
31 DEC (Saturday)
SAINT SYLVESTER I, Pope (d. 335)
Pope in the reign of Emperor Constantine I, who built the Lateran
and other churches. Sent legates to the First Council of Nicaea,
and was involved in the controversy over Arianism.
Ministry and Group News
CATHOLICISM: A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD
Nativity will be hosting the newly acclaimed video series
Catholicism. In this ten part program, Fr. Robert Barron
(wordonfire.org) gives a very compelling story of the
Catholic Faith as never seen before. Filmed in 15 countries and
50 locations throughout the world, this series not only teaches the
faith, but enhances that teaching by exploring art, architecture,
literature, music and all the riches of the Catholic tradition. It is
the splendor of the global Church, in original, high-definition
cinematography. Each of the ten one hour showings will be
followed by brief discussion. Classes will be held on Tuesday
mornings at 09:30 AM and then repeated on Tuesday evenings at
07:00 PM. They begin on 17 January 2012. This may be a once in
a lifetime opportunity to sit back and enjoy a fantastic presentation
of our Catholic faith by a most engaging and insightful speaker.
Invite your family, friends and even non-Catholics who want to
learn about our faith to attend. A student’s guide is available to
purchase for $24.00. The event will be held in the O’Hare Center.
For questions, speak to Deacon Dominick Peloso, 650/269-6279.
WALK FOR LIFE BUS
This year’s West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco will be
on Saturday, 21 January 2012 at the new time of 12:30 PM.
There is also a new route: we will begin at the Civic Center Plaza
and end at Justin Herman Plaza/Ferry Building. We are again
providing a bus for parishioners who would like to participate. We
will be leaving Nativity at 11:00 AM and returning right after the
walk. To sign up for the bus, call Mary Ellen Peloso at 650/2697794. There is no charge for the bus. However, space is limited
and reservations are required.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Please come to visit our Lord during the week,
as the church is open 24x7 and He awaits you.
Also, everyone is encouraged to sign up for one
hour. This will ensure your weekly meeting with
Jesus. You may sign up for any hour. Please consider the following hours which currently have
no one assigned. Our Lord wishes to speak with you, and you
have much to say and ask of Him:
MON: 01:00 PM
TUE: 07:00 PM
WED: 06:00 PM
THU: 04:00 PM Prayer Partner
Pregnant? Need Help? Please contact
the Juan Diego Society (408/258-2008),
the Gabriel Project (800/910-0191) or
Community Pregnancy Center (650/964-8093).
SAT: 01:00-03:00 AM (First Saturday of the month)
Please call 650/269-7794 for more information or to sign up.
You have never strayed too far for the Father’s forgiveness and grace.
Announcements
OUR PARISH FAMILY
Please keep all of our newest members in your prayers, as well as those
who have preceded us to the Father.
BAPTISMS
MARRIAGES
NEW PARISHIONERS
DEATHS
• Charles Moran
• Paula Zappettini
LOST AND FOUND
Found: black leather gloves.
GOOD FOOD AND GOOD MUSIC!
Join us for the Nativity Men’s Club 2012 Crab Cioppino Feast.
Tickets are on sale for the Men’s Club Crab Cioppino Dinner on
Saturday, 11 February 2011 at Nativity School in the Sobrato
Pavilion. The dinner will include Dungeness Crab Cioppino,
pasta, salad; sourdough bread, and dessert. The tickets are $45.00
per person and include 2 glasses of wine per adult. In addition to
the best Crab Cioppino anywhere dinner entertainment will be
provided by Ron Borelli, accordionist and his 5-piece band. All
tickets must be purchased in advance along with your reservations.
Seating is limited. Reservations are being taken until 01 February
2012, or until the seating capacity is reached, whichever comes
first. Drop off your reservations at the school office or the parish
office. If you have any questions, please
contact Don Coy at 650/465-4466 or
[email protected].
NATIVITY SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN 2012
We are now scheduling tours with parents for prospective
Kindergarteners. The tours are on Tuesday and Thursday
mornings at 09:00 AM through the month of January. Please call
the school office at 650/325-7304 to schedule an appointment.
We are currently accepting applications for Kindergarten.
Applications are available on our website under the Forms tab:
nativityschool.com/forms/index.htm. Also, please
encourage friends, neighbors, and other preschool classmates
to consider Nativity School. Our Open House is scheduled for
Sunday, 29 January 2012, from 11:00 AM-01:00 PM.
Electronic giving is offered
through our website
www.nativitymenlo.org
or call the parish office
for a paper form
Parish Office Hours
09:00 AM-04:00 PM
Monday-Friday
Birth of Christ (Mariotto Albertinelli) 1503
In The Community
The Nativity (Nicolas Poussin) c. 1650
NATIVITY MOMS AND DADS OF YESTERYEAR
Renew past friendships and make new ones. Join the Nativity
Moms and Dads of Yesteryear at Harry’s Hofbrau, 1909 El
Camino Real, Redwood City, on Tuesday, 10 January 2011, at
06:00 PM. For information only call Bonnie Neylan at 650/3228645.
CHRISTMAS IN ROME AND WASHINGTON
EWTN, the 24/7 Catholic cable channel will be airing Christmas
liturgies from both Rome and Washington DC. Pope Benedict
offers Christmas Eve Mass, 24 December 2011 at 01:00 PM;
Christmas Eve Mass from Washington on 24 December 2011 at
07:30 PM and the Christmas Day Mass at 09:00 AM. The Papal
message to Rome and the World will be shown on 25 December
2011 at 07:00 PM. For the New Year, Pope Benedict will lead
Vespers of Thanksgiving, 31
December 2011 at 09:00 AM
and 02:00 PM.
THE HOLY FATHER’S
PRAYER INTENTIONS
From the Holy See
Christmas
The actual date of Christ’s birth is unknown. The Gospels do
not record it and there is not any early tradition to identify it.
Scholars identify the approximate year as sometime between 8 - 5
BC and the season as probably early spring. The feast day was
placed where it was, in all likelihood, to supplant the practice of
the winter solstice festival among pagan converts by pointing to
Christ as the true light who comes into the world. The Western
Church emphasizes the celebration of the Nativity or Birth of
Jesus on December 25, while the Eastern Church celebrates His
manifestation to the Magi on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6.
The word Christmas was derived from the Old English Cristes
Maesse or “Mass of Christmas.” Over the centuries it has become
a comprehensive word including both the religious traditions and
the secular traditions.
In North America, the early immigrants brought their different
Christmas traditions. The Germans brought the Christmas tree,
the Irish contributed the lights in windows of homes, Catholic
immigrants brought Midnight Mass and everyone had their own
Christmas carols.
The Lights of Christmas
The most obvious symbol of Christmas are lights – Christmas
candles, window lights, luminaries, lights on the Advent Wreath
and Christmas tree. All signifying that Jesus Christ is the Light of
the world.
Christmas Tree
Christmas trees can be found almost anywhere, any size. For
many people, the Christmas tree is only a seasonal decoration.
To Christians it symbolizes the green of hope at a time of dying,
the burning light of Christ at a time of spiritual darkness and the
fruits of paradise. Its origin as a Christian symbol may trace to
an historical event. When St. Boniface evangelized the Germanic
tribes he chopped down their sacred oak to prove the impotence
of their god. Just as Patrick used the shamrock as a symbol of the
Trinity, Boniface used the evergreen as a symbol of the eternity
of the true God. The Church provides a blessing ceremony in its
Book of Blessings for use in the absence of a priest.
Each month His Holiness Benedict XVI asks for general
and missionary prayer intentions.
For December 2011, the Holy Father’s prayer intentions are:
General: Peace among All Peoples.
That all peoples may grow in harmony and
peace through mutual understanding and respect.
Missionary: That children and young people may be messengers of the Gospel and that they may be respected and
preserved from all violence and exploitation.
SCHEDULE OF CHRISTMAS
AND NEW YEAR SERVICES
THURSDAY, 22 December 2011
07:30 PM
Advent Penance Service
SATURDAY, 24 December 2011
(Christmas Eve)
08:00 AM
06:00 PM
10:00 PM
10:45 PM
11: 00 PM
Daily Mass
Vigil Mass of Christmas
Choral Prelude to Christmas Mass
Christmas Proclamation
and Procession to the Crib
Christmas Mass
SUNDAY, 25 December 2011
(Christmas Day)
08:00 AM
09:30 AM
11:30 AM
Christmas Day Mass
Christmas Day Mass
Christmas Day Mass
(no 05:00 PM Mass)
MONDAY, 26 December 2011
09:00 AM
Daily Mass (one Mass only)
SATURDAY, 31 December 2011
(New Year’s Eve)
08:00 AM
05:00 PM
11:30 PM
Daily Mass
Vigil for the Solemnity of the Mother of God
New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil
SUNDAY, 01 January 2012
(Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)
08:00 AM
09:30 AM
11:30 AM
05:00 PM
Solemnity of the Mother of God
Sunday Mass
Sunday Mass
Sunday Mass
MONDAY, 02 January 2012
09:00 AM
Daily Mass (one Mass only)
Young Believers
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea,
to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house
and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was
with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.
And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped Him in swaddling
clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in
the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.
And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good
news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this
day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be
a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying
in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!”